A capacity crowd of Androscoggin County Republicans met at Auburn City Hall recently and unanimously elected Lewiston native and small business owner Patti Gagne as their new Chair. Several state, county, and local Republican office holders were in attendance for the event.

Gagne, a Lewiston resident and graduate of the University of Maine, says she looks forward to injecting her brand of enthusiasm and energy into the committee.?? “I am elated to be elected as the new county chair,” she said. “My goal is to visit all 14 towns in our county and attend their municipal committee meetings to get folks re-engaged and involved. Together, we can have a very successful county caucus and Lincoln Day Dinner ahead of our efforts to recruit and support Republican candidates for the fall elections. This committee has a bright future ahead.”

Jason Greene of Durham, a member of the Executive Committee who represents Androscoggin County on the Maine Republican State Committee, chaired the meeting.?? “Patti Gagne is well known for her positive energy, and she is absolutely the principled leader we need to restore integrity, transparency, and accountability to the Chairmanship,” said Greene.

State Senator Garrett Mason of Lisbon, the Majority Leader of the Maine Senate, was in attendance and also offered praise for Gagne.?? “Having known Patti for years, I know that she is exactly the person we need to get candidates elected in 2016,” he said. “I am confident that the party could be in no more capable hands.”

In addition to the new Chair, the committee elected Les Gibson of Sabattus and Jon Kirsch of Lisbon as its new Treasurer and Finance Director.

Also on the meeting agenda was an opportunity for committee members to remember former State Senator Lois Snowe-Mello, who recently passed away. Fond memories, laughs, and tears were shared by those who spoke in memory of the former member of both the Maine House and Senate, who was loved for her tenacious spirit and mentoring of others. ??“I am saddened by the passing of Senator Snowe-Mello,” said Gagne. “She was a mentor to me, and I hold her in such high regard. She will continue to be an example for all of us who seek to serve our fellow Mainers.”

The Androscoggin County caucus, municipal caucuses, and state-wide Presidential Nominating Caucus will take place in coordination with the Maine Republican Party on Saturday, March 5 at the Lewiston Middle School. All registered Republicans are encouraged to attend. For information on how to get involved, contact Secretary Joanna Said at mjsaid88@yahoo.com.